Games Workshop has unveiled 13 new Warhammer 40,000 detachments for the Adeptus Custodes faction.
The preview, dated September 28, 2026, introduces specialized rules for Dreadnoughts, Terminators, and Sisters of Silence.
The updated rules structure places the Adeptus Custodes between the chaotic selection of Orks and the regimented system of Space Marines.
Only one group of the new detachments carries a Unique keyword, allowing players to freely select the remaining options to enhance specific unit types.
Shield Hosts and Ka'tah Abilities
Six of the 13 available Codex detachments bear the Unique: Shield Host tag, with five themed around major lore factions.
Each Shield Host provides a favoured ka'tah ability that triggers additional tactical bonuses during battle without restricting access to other martial ka'tahs.
The defensive Aquilan Shield detachment grants extra shooting range when using the Salvus ka'tah and includes stratagems to soften approaching enemies.
In contrast, the aggressive Dread Host detachment focuses on rapid melee combat, utilizing Preternatural Rapidity to allow charges following advance moves and offering character enhancements like Sustained Hits 1.
Additional options detailed in the preview include the balanced Guardians of the Throne, mission-focused Emissaries Imperatus, and flexible Emperor's Chosen.
Specialized detachments also extend to character-focused Auric Champions, objective-contesting Honoured Companions, Terminator-heavy Lions of the Emperor, Dreadnought-boosting Might of the Moritoi, vehicle-based Grav-assault Force, and the Sisters of Silence Null Maiden Vigil.
